ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
NTPC Achieves Near-Doubling in Coal Production in Q1; Coal Despatch Grows by 112%
NTPC Limited, India's leading integrated power producer, has nearly doubled coal production from its captive mines during the first quarter of the financial year 2023 - 2024, compared with the production during Q1 of previous year. The company achieved an impressive coal production of 8.48 million metric tonnes  during Q1 of FY24, compared to 4.27 MMT in Q1 of FY23.
In addition, coal despatch has more than doubled during Q1 of 2023 – 2024, relative to the first quarter of 2022 – 2023. A total of 8.82 MMT of coal has been despatched in Q1 of FY24, marking a significant 112% increase over the previous year for the same period.
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Units
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Q1 FY24
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Q1 FY23
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Growth
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Coal Production
|
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MMT
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8.48
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|
4.27
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99%
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Coal Despatch
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MMT
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8.82
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4.17
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112%
To achieve sustained growth in coal production, NTPC has implemented a range of strategies and technologies. These include the adoption of rigorous safety measures, improved mine planning, equipment automation, workforce training, and the implementation of continuous monitoring and analysis systems. These initiatives have played a vital role in optimizing operations, enhancing productivity, and ensuring safety of the workforce.
The growth in coal production and despatch is a testament to NTPC's dedication to operational excellence and its contribution to meeting India's energy demands. The company has stated that it will continue to explore innovative technologies and sustainable practices to further enhance its performance and support the nation's energy goals.
NTPC Limited is India's largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
ONGC is undertaking various steps to increase the production
The Government has introduced various policies for increasing production of oil and natural gas
Government has also provided functional freedom to National Oil Companies and has encouraged wider private sector participation
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that the ONGC’s standalone crude oil and natural gas production over the last five years is given as under:-
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Year
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Crude Oil Production

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Natural Gas Production

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2016-17
|
|
22.249
|
|
22.088
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|
2017-18
|
|
22.305
|
|
23.484
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|
2018-19
|
|
21.111
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24.747
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2019-20
|
|
20.714
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23.853
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2020-21
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20.273
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22.096
The decline in production of crude oil in recent years has been due to natural decline and increase in water cut in wells of matured fields. ONGC is undertaking various steps to increase the production by redevelopment of existing matured fields and development of new/marginal fields. These inter alia include development of discoveries in Krishna Godavari Basin, monetization of discoveries in Nomination/New Exploration Licensing Policy  blocks, integrated development of fields, production enhancement contract in small fields, up-gradation/replacement of surface facilities etc. Un-viable small/marginal fields are developed through cluster development concept. Further, Improved Oil Recovery and Enhanced Oil Recovery technologies are inducted for enhancing recovery factor of matured fields.
The Government has introduced various policies for increasing production of oil and natural gas under Production Sharing Contract  regime, Discovered Small Field Policy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, etc. Government has also provided functional freedom to National Oil Companies and has encouraged wider private sector participation by streamlining approval processes including electronic single window mechanism.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
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COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 399
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage nearly 175 Crore
More than 32 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 174.99 Crore  today. More than 32 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. More than 1.86 Crore  Precaution Doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries  for COVID vaccination have been administered so far. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,00,470
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2nd Dose
|
|
99,49,359
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Precaution Dose
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|
40,21,472
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FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,07,379
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2nd Dose
|
|
1,74,10,830
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Precaution Dose
|
|
57,74,053
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Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,34,02,589
|
|
|
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2nd Dose
|
|
2,06,03,005
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
|
|
54,99,88,719
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2nd Dose
|
|
43,41,21,560
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
|
|
20,19,78,041
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2nd Dose
|
|
17,79,81,494
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Over 60 years
|
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1st Dose
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|
12,61,54,350
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2nd Dose
|
|
11,08,81,488
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Precaution Dose
|
|
88,86,736
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Cumulative 1st dose administered
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|
96,03,31,548
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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|
77,09,47,736
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Precaution Dose
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|
1,86,82,261
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Total
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1,74,99,61,545
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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Date: 18th February, 2022 
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HCWs
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1st Dose
|
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119
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2nd Dose
|
|
2,321
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Precaution Dose
|
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21,602
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FLWs
|
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1st Dose
|
|
191
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2nd Dose
|
|
4,932
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Precaution Dose
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37,146
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
|
|
1,97,664
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|
|
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2nd Dose
|
|
9,28,513
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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|
2,36,954
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2nd Dose
|
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12,33,468
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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38,933
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2nd Dose
|
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2,68,749
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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30,037
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2nd Dose
|
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1,65,210
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Precaution Dose
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1,26,677
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Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
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5,03,898
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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26,03,193
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Precaution Dose
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1,85,425
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Total
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32,92,516
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays obeisance to Bhagwan Vishwakarma on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid obeisance to Bhagwan Vishwakarma on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.
In a X post, the PM said;
“A tribute to Bhagwan Vishwakarma. May His blessings inspire us all to innovate and shape the world with dedication and dexterity.”
Ministry of Culture
Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates two excavation Sites in Jabalpur
Minister of State  for Culture & Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel today inaugurated excavations Sites at Karanbel Tripuri  and Tewar  in District Jabalpur of Madhya Pradesh. During the ceremony the Minister took part in traditional Pooja and also planted a tree.
While visiting the Karanbel Tripuri the Minister desired to construct an interpretation center at the site for the upkeep of all the antiquities lying in open in agricultural fields and in the houses of villagers. During the tour of the site Shri Patel visited villagers home also.
During inspection of site 2 at Tewar the Minister instructed to conserve ancient Baodi and also to keep sculptures in safe custody at Excavation camp. This was the first visit of the Minister to the newly created Jabalpur Circle of Archeological Survey of India. The Minister assured all assistance for the smooth functioning of ASI's Jabalpur Circle.
Jabalpur Circle of Archeological Survey of India was created in August 2020 along with new circles in Trichy, Jhansi, Meerut, Hampi, Raiganj and Rajkot.
Superintendent Archeologist of Jabalpur Circle Shri Sujeet Nayan along with other ASI staff was also present during the visit.
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA writes to States to widely publicize the Penal Provisions regarding Violations of Lockdown Measures to fight COVID-19
Union Ministry for Home Affairs  had issued consolidated guidelines on lockdown measures to be taken by the Ministries/Departments of Government of India and States/UTs Governments/Administrations, so as to break the chain of transmission of the COVID-19 in the country.
MHA had earlier written to all States requesting them to strictly implement lockdown measures in letter and spirit, by exercising their powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to fight COVID-19.
Reiterating the message, Union Home Secretary, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has written to all States to widely publicize among the authorities and public, the penal provisions under the DM Act and IPC regarding violations of lockdown measures, to fight COVID-19. It has been stressed that strict action must be taken by authorities on violators of lockdown measures
Click here to see Communication to States
Click here to see Penal Provisions
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Santosh Kumar Gangwar assumes Charge as Minister Of State  for Labour and Employment
Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar has assumed office as Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in New Delhi today. Secretary, Shri Heeralal Samariya and senior officials of the Ministry welcomed the new Minister.
Briefly interacting with media persons, Shri Gangwar thanked the Prime Minister for showing faith in him and giving the charge of the Ministry once again. He said that in my last tenure we took many decisions for Labour welfare and social security of work force of the country. I would like to continue the process in a time bound manner. The Ministry launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan for the benefit of 40 crore unorganized sector workers in the last tenure and we will take the process further.
He is 8th time Lok Sabha member from Bareilly constituency since 1989 till date . Shri Gangwar has vast experience in governance in various ministries like Finance, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Parliamentary Affairs, Science & Technology, Labour & Employment, Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Textiles and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. He has been Member of various Parliamentary Committees.
Shri Gangwar was born on 1st November 1948 in Bareilly. He completed his B.Sc from Agra University and LLB Degree from Rohilkhand University.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Novel Coronavirus: one positive case reported in Kerala
Second positive case of Novel Coronavirus patient, has been reported in Kerala. The patient has a travel history from China.
The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital.
The patient is stable and is being closely monitored.
Special Service and Features
2.272 Kg Gold worth Rs.1.10 Crore seized by Chennai Air Customs.
Based on intelligence, Chennai Air Customs officers intercepted one male passenger arrived from Dubai via Flight No. 6E-66 on 05.01.2023. On examination of his person, three bundles containing gold in paste form wrapped with adhesive tapes concealed in his body were recovered resulting in recovery of 770 grams of gold of24K purity valued at Rs. 37.56 lakhs.
Chennai Air Customs officers intercepted two male passengers who arrived from Dubai via Flight No. AI-906 on 05.01.2023. On examination of their persons, three bundles containing gold in paste form wrapped with adhesive tapes concealed in their body were recovered from both passenger resulting in recovery of totally 1502 grams of gold of24K purity totally valued at Rs.73.28 lakhs, which was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
In another incident, Chennai Air Customs officers intercepted one male passenger, bound to Colombo by Indigo Airlines flight 6E-1207 on 04.0 1.2023. Upon examination of his person, Foreign Currency worth Rs. 15.92 Lakhs was found concealed in his undergarments and the same was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
Totally, Gold worth Rs. 1.10 crore and Foreign Currency worth Rs. 15.92 Lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act, 1962.
Further investigation is under progress, according to the press released issued by Shri. K.P.JEYAKAR, Addl. Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves extension/renewal of the extant Pharmaceuticals Purchase Policy  with the same terms and conditions while adding one additional product namely, Alcoholic Hand Disinfectant  to the existing list of 103 medicines till the final closure/strategic disinvestment of the Pharma CPSUs
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved extension/renewal of Pharmaceuticals Purchase Policy  for pharmaceutical Central Public Sector Undertakings  till their closure/strategic disinvestment.
Major Impact
Extension/renewal of the policy would help the pharma CPSUs in optimum utlilization of their existing facilities, enable them to generate revenues to pay salaries to their employees, help them in keeping the costly, sophisticated machinery in running condition resulting in higher return at the time of disposal in case of CPSUs under closure and better valuation in case of CPSUs under disinvestment.
Background
Pharmaceuticals Purchase Policy  was approved by the Cabinet on 30.10.2013 for a period of five years in respect of 103 medicines manufactured by pharma CPSUs and their subsidiaries. The policy is applicable to purchases by Central/ State Government departments and their Public Sector Undertakings etc. The pricing of the products is done by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority . The procuring entity can purchase from Pharma CPSUs and their subsidiaries subject to their meeting Good Manufacturing Practices  norms as per Schedule ‘M’ of the Drugs & Cosmetic Rules. The term of the policy expired on 09.12.2018.
Meanwhile, Cabinet decided on 28.12.2016 to close Indian Drugs and Pharmaceutical Limited  & Rajasthan Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited  and strategically sell Hindustan Antibiotics Limited  & Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Limited , after meeting their liabilities from proceeds of sale of their surplus land to government agencies. Subsequently, Cabinet has modified its decision on 17.07.2019 permitting to sell surplus land as per revised Department of Public Enterprises guidelines dated 14.06.2018. Separately, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs  decided on 01.11.2017 for disinvestment of 100% GOI equity in the fifth pharma CPSU, namely Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited .
It has been proposed to extend the policy till final closure/sale of pharma CPSUs.
Department of Space
Preparations for Chandrayaan-3 Mission
ISRO has drawn out a roadmap of lunar exploration missions to master the technologies required. This roadmap has been presented to the space commission. Based on the final analysis and recommendations of the expert committee, work on future lunar missions is progressing.
The expert committee has analyzed the flight data and extensive simulations were carried out to re-construct the flight behavior. The recommendations of the expert committee will be implemented in future lunar missions.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to the great saint and poet, Kabir, at Sant Kabir Nagar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Maghar in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh today.
He offered floral tributes at Sant Kabir Samadhi, on the occasion of the 500th death anniversary of the great saint and poet, Kabir. He also offered Chadar at Sant Kabir Mazaar. He visited the Sant Kabir Cave, and unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of Foundation Stone of Sant Kabir Academy, which will highlight the great saint’s teachings and thought.
At a public meeting, the Prime Minister said that a wish which he had for years, had been fulfilled, by paying homage to the great saint Kabir, at the hallowed land of Maghar, where legend says that Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and Baba Gorakhnath, had engaged in spiritual discussion.
The Prime Minister said that Sant Kabir Academy, to be built at a cost of about Rs. 24 crore, would create an institution to preserve the legacy of Sant Kabir, as well as regional dialects and folk arts of Uttar Pradesh.
The Prime Minister said that Sant Kabir represents the essence of India's soul. He broke the barriers of caste, and spoke the language of the ordinary, rural Indian, Shri Narendra Modi added.
The Prime Minister said that saints have risen from time to time, in various parts of India, who have guided society to rid itself of social evils. Naming many such saints from various parts of India, across different eras, the Prime Minister mentioned Babasaheb Ambedkar who ensured for every citizen of India, equality, through the Constitution.
Making a strong statement against political opportunism, the Prime Minister recalled Sant Kabir's teaching that the ideal ruler is one who understands the feelings and suffering of the people. He said Sant Kabir had criticized all social structures which discriminated among people. In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned the various schemes of the Union Government which seek to empower the poor and under privileged sections of society, such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, insurance schemes, toilet construction, and direct benefits transfer. He also mentioned the increase in pace in various infrastructure sectors such as roads, railways, optical fibre network etc. He said the Union Government is working to ensure that all parts of India receive the fruits of development.
He hoped that the teachings of Sant Kabir would help us give shape to the vision of New India.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Vacant Posts in CIC
Applications for appointment to the post of four Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission were called for vide advertisement dated 04-01-2019 and atotal no. of 256 applications were received by the last date of receipt of application. The process of selection of Information Commissioners involves following subsequent steps:-
- Tabulation of particulars of applicants and to sent to the Search Committee  chaired by Cabinet Secretary.
- Shortlisted names by the Search Committee alongwith particulars of all the applicants are sent to the Committee constituted under Section 12 headed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
- Persons recommended by the Committee under Section 12 are appointed by the Hon’ble President.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh in written reply to a question in LokSabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi  Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi  Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched during 2020-21. The main objective of the Scheme is to enhance competency level of the target groups to make them employable both in self- employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development. The target group under this scheme are SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc. The age criterion of scheme between 18-45 years and income criteria is no income limit for SCs, SafaiKaramcharis Including wastepicker and DNT. The annual family income should be below Rs.3 lakhfor OBCs and the EBCs  annual family income below Rs.1 lakh.
Types of Trainings, duration and average cost per candidate
- Up-skilling/Reskilling :-Rs.3000/- to Rs.8000/-
- Short Term Training  :-Rs.22,000/-
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme :Rs.7000/-
- Long Term Training  :- Rs.45,000/-
The cost of training is as per common norms issued by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Government of India and it varies as per duration of the course. Up-skilling for Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers is for 35 hours/5 days with average cost of Rs.3000/- per candidate.
The Cost of the training to trainees is free of cost. The stipend under this scheme of Rs.1,500/- per month to SCs and Safai Karamcharis and Rs.1,000/- per month to OBCs/EBCs/DNTs for non-residential Short Term and Long Term training courses and the Wage compensation Rs.2500/- per candidate is given to SCs/OBCs/EBCs/DNTs candidates for Upskilling/Reskilling programme. Wage compensation Rs.500/- per candidate is given to Safai Karamcharis candidates for Upskilling programme.
The Performance during 2020-21 to 2022-23 under PM-DAKSH Yojana is given below:

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|
Year
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|
Target
|
|
Commenced
|
|
Placement

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|
Financial Target
|
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Funds released
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|
2020-21
|
|
37,958
|
|
32,097
|
|
24,652
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|
50.00
|
|
44.79
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|
2021-22
|
|
49,800
|
|
42,002
|
|
31,033
|
|
80.19
|
|
68.22
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|
2022-23
|
|
51,900
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|
33,021
|
|
21,552|
|
83.64
|
|
14.94
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|
TOTAL
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|
1,39,658
|
|
1,07,120
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|
77,237
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|
213.83
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|
127.95Placement is done after assessment and certification, which is in progress.
Under the PM-Daksh Scheme target to train during next three years will be 1,69,300 candidates from 2023-24 to 2025-26 with a budgetary outlay of Rs.286.42 crore. Year-wise target with an estimated expenditure is given below:-
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Year
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|
No. of Candidates to be trained
|
|
Estimated Expenditure 
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|
2023-24
|
|
53,900
|
|
92.47
|
|
2024-25
|
|
56,450
|
|
94.91
|
|
2025-26
|
|
58,950
|
|
99.04
|
|
Total
|
|
1,69,300
|
|
286.42
|
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|
During last three years of implementation from 2020-21 to 2022-23, a total of 107156 beneficiaries have been trained and an amount of Rs. 213.83 crore has been spent under PM-DAKSH.
Ministry of Education
Support to Agnipath Scheme by Department of School Education & Literacy through National Institute of Open Schooling 
The Ministry of Defence, GoI has unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”. It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education welcomes this initiative of the Government of India to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up productive role in society later in life. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification. Open schooling system of NIOS which is extremely user friendly and accessible to all from anywhere, anytime opens its doors to all the Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme.